S.Res. 221 (113th): A resolution designating the week of October 7 through October 13, 2013, as “Naturopathic Medicine Week” to recognize the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable health care.

Ms. Mikulski submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Designating the week of October 7 through
October 13, 2013, as Naturopathic Medicine Week to recognize the
value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable
health care.

Whereas, in the United States, more than 75 percent of
health care costs are due to preventable chronic illnesses, including high
blood pressure, which affects 88,000,000 people in the United States, and
diabetes, which affects 26,000,000 people in the United States;

Whereas nearly two-thirds of adults in the United States
are overweight or obese and, consequently, at risk for serious health
conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
arthritis, and depression;

Whereas 70 percent of people in the United States
experience physical or nonphysical symptoms of stress, and stress can
contribute to the development of major illnesses, such as cardiovascular
disease, depression, and diabetes;

Whereas the aforementioned chronic health conditions are
among the most common, costly, and preventable health conditions;

Whereas naturopathic medicine provides noninvasive,
holistic treatments that support the inherent self-healing capacity of the
human body and encourage self-responsibility in health care;

Whereas naturopathic medicine focuses on patient-centered
care, the prevention of chronic illnesses, and early intervention in the
treatment of chronic illnesses;

Whereas naturopathic physicians attend 4-year, graduate
level programs that are accredited by agencies approved by the Department of
Education;

Whereas aspects of naturopathic medicine have been shown
to lower the risk of major illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and
diabetes;

Whereas naturopathic physicians can help address the
shortage of primary care providers in the United States;

Whereas naturopathic physicians are trained to refer
patients to conventional physicians and specialists when necessary;

Whereas the profession of naturopathic medicine is
dedicated to providing health care to underserved populations; and

Whereas naturopathic medicine provides consumers in the
United States with more choice in health care, in line with the increased use
of a variety of integrative medical treatments: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

designates the
week of October 7 through October 13, 2013, as Naturopathic Medicine
Week;

(2)

recognizes the
value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable
health care; and

(3)

encourages the
people of the United States to learn about naturopathic medicine and the role
that naturopathic physicians play in preventing chronic and debilitating
illnesses and conditions.